by Zuzanna Vee

The third energy center in this 7-part series is the Solar Plexus Chakra, located above the naval and below the rig cage. The Solar Plexus opens outward from the body, front and back, and corresponds to our adrenals. It is the Fire Element, where our passion and zest for life arises. This area of the body carries the largest mass of nerve ganglia and has been called our second brain.

The Solar Plexus is an extremely important area with which to be on friendly terms. It provides sensations to the body that work as intuitive functions. The clues in our colloquial language serve as further explanation: "I had this gut feeling," "I felt like I was kicked in the stomach," "I had butterflies in my stomach," "I had the wind knocked out of me," "It was a gut wrenching experience." We say someone "has guts" or is "gutsy."

The Solar Plexus can act as our personal warning system. When we are not being true to ourselves, or closely associate with those who may compromise our integrity, we may get a "funny feeling" in the Solar Plexus. This third chakra governs our self-respect, self-esteem, self-confidence, self-discipline, self-worth, etc. Energetically, it is our relationship with ourselves. With a healthy Solar Plexus we make good decisions, have the courage to take risks, and have the ability to generate action and handle crises.

The Solar Plexus is the seat of our Integrity; our ability to give and then keep our word. We "walk our talk" through a strong, balanced Solar Plexus and develop into Spiritual Warriors rather than angry, malicious Road Ragers. We see these distortions readily in our society: people who impose their will, beliefs, and way of life upon others. Force is distorted Solar Plexus energy; Yang without the balance of Yin.

When Solar Plexus energy is distorted, we may lack the ability to trust our instincts, be overly sensitive to criticism from others, and lack a sense of personal honor. If left unchecked, it eventually affects our physical bodies. The liver, pancreas, small intestines, kidneys and diaphragm can be affected. Disease such as hepatitis, arthritis, ulcers and digestive problems can also be due to Solar Plexus imbalance. Anorexia and bulimia are rampant in our society, reflecting self-loathing and an extreme lack of self-love and self-confidence.

Yellow is the color of the third chakra. In our culture, yellow is a sign of cowardice, exemplified by the sayings "yellow belly" and "yellow streak down its back." In some unconscious way, we are aware of this connection, but we have it skewed. A yellow belly would denote a strong Solar Plexus energy - someone who can "stand up for (base chakra) what they believe in (solar plexus)."

Contrary to our Western ideal, an Eastern concept of the belly is that it should be soft and malleable. Are our abdomens rigid? How about our belief systems? Are we wishy-washy? Are we open to new thought, new concepts, new ideas about our place in and our view of the world? About what are we passionate?

The therapeutic connection with the Solar Plexus and yoga practice is the intent, first, and then the practice of postures or vinyasa (movement series) that activate this area of the body.

The Salute to the Sun, a vinyasa, alternately opens and closes the Solar Plexus in a strong way. Practice this series of movements in a slow, meditative manner, being open to discovering what it is you hold as your Truth. Be flexible in body as well as beliefs to allow change to occur naturally as we learn and grow. Face the rising sun and allow for the goodness of the Universe to flow to you as you become receptive to these gifts.

Camel (and variations) - we open to new ideas and the healing rays of the sun, allowing our vulnerable soft belly to be exposed. In this way we can absorb new ways of being and integrate them into our lives. Hold the posture, breathe slowly and deeply, and focus on this possibility. Watch yourself unfold. Counter Pose: Child's Pose.

Bridge - In this posture it is easy to notice where we are being unnecessarily rigid in our bodies. Where is tension necessary to maintain the posture, and where do we waste our valuable energy with habitual holding patterns? Hold the posture, breathing slowly and deeply, observing inwardly. Adjust as you discover habitual ways of being. Counter Pose: Knees to Chest.

Cat - We alternately contract and release as we move with the breath slowly in this posture. Yang and Yin, we open and close the Solar Plexus gently. Focus on this area and notice if a warm glow can be sensed in the core of your body.

Laughter has been associated with increased immune response and stress reduction, and Patch Adams, MD has been a proponent of laughter as healing medicine for many years. How often do we allow ourselves a deep belly laugh? We are so tight that we usually chuckle high in a restricted chest. Really let go and LAUGH next time something tickles you. Reclaim your passion for living!

Zuzanna Vee has been practicing yoga for 30 years and has 15 years teaching experience. Contact her at 919-542-3001, or please visit www.RainbowHealing.net. Photo credit: Beverly Johnson.